The problems at Ravensong Aquatic Centre continue to get worse. As the public has been made aware over recent months, the physical plant has failed to meet the demands that have been placed on it. Aquafit classes are overcrowded to the point where movements (which are the basic requirement) are impossible without making contact with fellow participants.
Locker availability, shower space and simply room to change one’s clothes are sorely lacking. Adding even more pressure to an already overstrained facility, it was announced Friday, May 11, that nine aquafit classes per week would be cancelled for the foreseeable future due to unavailability of instructors. So… the many, many individuals who attended these particular classes are now asked to shoehorn their way into whatever tiny puddle of water they can find among the throngs of jumping, flexing, working participants. Should we leave our towels and clothing on the pool deck while we work out because there will be no lockers available? What next?
Something needs to be done and soon. It is obvious that an additional facility is a necessity and that locating it is Parksville would serve to redistribute the demand on Ravensong. Planning, financing, and building a new pool/rec centre would be moot, however, if there is no one to adequately staff programs.
Many of us who have supported Ravensong year after year both with our tax dollars and with entrance fees paid several times a week feel unheard and disenfranchised. We have anticipated this staffing deficiency coming to a head for many months and some of us have experienced class cancellations in years past for the same reason.
Enough. There is no excuse for this situation. I for one, am not surprised, but very annoyed. The RDN must take action immediately.
J. Maureen Fowles
Qualicum Bay
